CLOUT - Under Fire b/w Tom-Morrow - Carrere Records 7" Picture Sleeve Vinyl Single

Clout's 1979 vinyl single "Under Fire" encapsulates the band's fearless departure from the mainstream. With a fusion of rock elements and a captivating B-side, "Tom-Morrow," the single, housed in a visually striking picture sleeve, became a global phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock music. Clout were a five-piece, South African million-selling all-girl rock group formed in 1977, best known for their song "Substitute".

 

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Album Description:

In the world of vinyl records, few artifacts capture the essence of a musical era as vividly as Clout's "Under Fire" vinyl single. Released in 1979, this South African all-female rock band's offering holds within its grooves a rich tapestry of sound and history that resonates with collectors and music enthusiasts to this day.

Clout, a five-piece rock ensemble hailing from South Africa, burst onto the scene in 1977, leaving an indelible mark with their chart-topping hit "Substitute". Their distinctive sound, characterized by strong vocals and energetic instrumentals, quickly earned them a devoted following. "Under Fire" emerged as another gem in their discography, embodying the spirit of the late 1970s rock scene while showcasing their unique musical identity.

The single, encased in a picturesque sleeve, embodies the essence of its era. The vibrant cover art and meticulous attention to detail on the 7-inch vinyl record sleeve provide a glimpse into the visual aesthetics that accompanied Clout's sonic offerings. It's a time capsule that transports collectors and enthusiasts back to the late '70s, a period marked by its own fashion, culture, and musical movements.

"Under Fire" encapsulates the thematic elements that often resonated with listeners during that time. The song's lyrics, delivered with Clout's trademark vocal prowess, speak of personal struggles, resilience, and empowerment – themes that were increasingly relevant as society navigated a changing world. The driving rock rhythm and melodic hooks further solidify the song's place in the pantheon of classic rock tracks.

Interestingly, the single's "Made in France" label adds an international dimension to its allure. This cross-continental collaboration showcases the global reach of music, even before the digital age connected artists and fans across the globe. It's a testament to the power of music to bridge geographical boundaries and unite listeners through shared experiences.

As a collector of vinyl records from the 1970s through the early 1990s, delving into the background of "Under Fire" offers a glimpse into the multifaceted process that culminated in the creation of this vinyl masterpiece. It's a reminder that each record is not just a collection of songs, but a product of artistic vision, collaboration, and the cultural milieu of its time.

Music Genre:

  Rock
Production:  Clout is a female Rock-band from South-Africa, Produced by G.Beggs
Tracks side 1:  Under Fire
Tracks side 2:  Tom-Morrow

Record Label Information:

  Carrere 49.540

Vinyl Record Format:

  7" Single, PS Picture Sleeve  

Year & Country:

  1979 Made in France
Index of CLOUT Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Clout Band Information

  Clout was a South African all-female band formed in Johannesburg in 1977. The band consisted of Cindy Alter (vocals, guitar), Ingrid "Ingi" Herbst (keyboards), Glenda Millar (drums), Jenni Garson (bass), and Lee Tomlinson (guitar). Clout's music was a blend of pop and rock, with a touch of disco, and was characterized by strong vocal harmonies, catchy hooks, and danceable rhythms.

 The band's breakthrough came in 1978 with their hit single "Substitute", a cover of a song originally recorded by the Righteous Brothers. "Substitute" topped the charts in South Africa and several other countries, including Germany, where it sold over a million copies. The song's success led to a tour of Europe and appearances on major television shows such as Top of the Pops and Musikladen.

 Clout continued to release music throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, with several other hits including "Save Me", "Under Fire", and "Portable Radio". The band's success in Europe and South Africa earned them a devoted following, and they toured extensively during this period.

 However, by the mid-1980s, Clout's popularity began to wane, and the band members went their separate ways. Alter went on to pursue a solo career and continued to release music throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 2016, Alter and Herbst reunited to perform as Clout at a music festival in South Africa, and they have continued to perform together since then.

 Despite their relatively short-lived career, Clout remains a notable band in the history of South African music and in the international pop scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their infectious pop-rock sound and memorable hits continue to resonate with audiences today, and their influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who have followed in their footsteps.

Clout Line-Ups during the 1970s

Throughout the 1970s, Clout's lineup underwent several changes, with members coming and going. Despite these changes, the band's core sound and identity remained intact, allowing them to create memorable music that left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape of the time.

    1977: CLOUT Formation and Early Years
  • Cindy Alter: Lead Vocals, Guitar
  • Glenda Hyam: Keyboards, Vocals
  • Ingrid "Ingi" Herbst: Bass, Vocals
  • Jenni Garson: Drums, Percussion
  • Lee Tomlinson: Lead Guitar, Vocals

 

    Late 1970s: CLOUT Lineup Changes and Success
  • Lee Tomlinson departs the band.
  • Ron "Bones" Brettell replaces Lee Tomlinson on lead guitar.
  • Jenni Garson leaves the band, and Richard "Ritchie" Jarvis takes over on drums.
  • "Substitute", one of Clout's biggest hits, propels the band to international fame.

 

    1979: CLOUT continued Success and Evolution
  • Glenda Hyam leaves Clout, and Adrian Bagworth joins as the new keyboardist.
  • Clout releases "Under Fire", showcasing their evolving musical style and continued popularity.
  • The band's dynamic sound and energetic performances continue to resonate with audiences.

Clout Featured Discography